New kiting technique generates energy from ‘calm’ water
University of Groningen researcher Eize Stamhuis is working with the company SeaQurrent to develop a new method of generating energy from tidal flows with a technology based on underwater kites. The method has significant advantages over wind and sun energy, as it can generate electricity from low-velocity flows of seawater, such as those found along the Dutch coast. What’s more, tidal flows are almost always available and are 100% predictable.
The new technology involved placing large, kite-like systems ten to twelve meters below the water surface, where they move back and forth with the flow of the water. The energy generated is brought onshore using a cable. The technology is particularly well suited to sea water with low-velocity flows, which are in abundant supply around the world, and certainly along the Dutch coast. Other technologies tend to require high-velocity flows, which are much less common.
More information
University of Groningen videos
The weekly online video magazine Unifocus highlights topics related to the University of Groningen in the fields of research and society, student life, teaching, policy and internationalization.
You can find more videos in our video portal.
| Last modified: | 13 September 2021 3.39 p.m. |
More news
-
27 September 2021
Zpannend Zernike Limited: get on your bike on 3 October for a tour of science and technology
Different from previous years but still surprising, fun, healthy, and for the whole family: join Groningen’s take on this year’s national weekend of science, organized by the University of Groningen (UG) and Hanze University of Applied Sciences...
-
20 September 2021
Keep calm and carry on: the solar-powered car is on its way
Northern Netherlands Top Dutch Solar Racing team joins forces to prepare for solar race in Morocco.
-
01 September 2021
Sense or nonsense? Young researchers are putting twenty proverbs to the test
Proverbs. Without thinking about it, we make use of them daily. But our society is constantly changing. Are these ancient wisdoms any use to us still? Young researchers from various disciplines, among whom are many members of the Young Academy...